A display of legal documents and symbols of justice, including a framed letter of patent, a large book titled 'Statutes,' a golden balance scale, a document with a red cross, and a stamp with a cross symbol, all referencing the Grand Priory of Australia and the Temple of Jerusalem, with the words 'Governance & Integrity'.

Our Commitment

We believe that integrity is not merely an administrative requirement but a Christian duty.

Our governance framework is designed to ensure:

✓ Accountability

✓ Transparency

✓ Responsible stewardship

✓ Ethical leadership

✓ Protection of members and the public

✓ Faithful adherence to our mission

Legal Identity

Knights Templar of Australia

The Knights Templar of Australia operates as the Australian Grand Priory of the Ordre du Temple de Jérusalem.

Registration

Knights Templar of Australia

ABN: 14 923 949 856

Ordre du Temple de Jérusalem.

Charitable Foundation

Knights Templar Foundation Incorporated

ABN: 38 761 771 160

Incorporated Association Number:

IA4872265 (Queensland)

Constitutional Authority

Australian Governance

The Australian Grand Priory operates under:

  1. Australian law

  2. Its governing constitution and by-laws

  3. The Statutes of the Ordre du Temple de Jérusalem

  4. Letters Patent and official instruments issued by the International Magisterium

  5. Policies adopted by the Grand Priory of Australia

The Order's statutes provide the framework for leadership, membership, disciplinary procedures, charitable objectives, and international relations.

International Affiliation

Ordre du Temple de Jérusalem

The Knights Templar of Australia forms part of an international Christian chivalric fellowship organised under the Ordre du Temple de Jérusalem.

The international Order describes itself as an autonomous Christian humanitarian and chivalric organisation organised under Swiss law and dedicated to Christian charity, humanitarian work, and the promotion of Christian chivalric values.

International Principles

The international statutes affirm:

  • Ecumenical Christianity

  • Christian charity

  • Humanitarian service

  • Non-profit operation

  • Political neutrality

  • International cooperation between Grand Priories

Charter & Letters Patent

Authority of the Grand Priory of Australia

The Grand Priory of Australia was formally constituted by Letters Patent issued through the Magisterium of the Ordre du Temple de Jérusalem.

Official proclamations published by the Grand Priory record the elevation of Australia to Grand Priory status and the appointment of the Grand Prior of Australia under Letters Patent issued by the International Order.

Public Documents

Available upon request:

  • Letters Patent constituting the Grand Priory

  • Instruments of Appointment

  • Grand Priory Charter

  • Statutes of the Order

  • Governance Policies

Political & Religious Independence

The Knights Templar of Australia is:

✓ Christian

✓ Ecumenical

✓ Non-profit

✓ Non-political

✓ Non-partisan

The international statutes prohibit political campaigning and require the Order to operate for charitable, humanitarian, and Christian purposes rather than political objectives.

Faithful Stewardship

The Knights Templar of Australia recognises that public trust must be earned.

We therefore commit ourselves to transparency in governance, accountability in leadership, integrity in conduct, and faithful stewardship of the mission entrusted to us.

Non nobis, Domine, non nobis,

sed nomini tuo da gloriam.

Infographic depicting the complaints process with five steps: Submit complaint, acknowledgment, assessment, investigation, and outcome & resolution. Each step has an icon and descriptive text, with a shield with a cross logo at the top and a scales logo at the bottom.
Infographic depicting the complaints process with five steps: Submit complaint, acknowledgment, assessment, investigation, and outcome & resolution. Each step has an icon and descriptive text, with a shield with a cross logo at the top and a scales logo at the bottom.

Governance & Integrity

The Knights Templar of Australia is committed to the highest standards of Christian conduct, organisational transparency, responsible governance, and accountability.

As the Australian Grand Priory of the Ordre du Temple de Jérusalem (OTJ), our work is guided by published statutes, constitutional authority, elected leadership, financial responsibility, and a commitment to ethical service.

Leadership & Officers

Grand Priory Executive

The Grand Priory is administered by appointed and elected officers responsible

for governance, administration, charitable activities, formation, and member welfare.

Current Officers

Grand Prior

Chevalier Gregory J Fellows KGOTJ

Grand Seneschal

Chevalier Aaron J Parry KGOTJ

Grand Chancellor

Chevalier Dr. Johanness J De Kock KGOTJ

Grand Secretary

Dame Lee Bennett DTJ

Grand Treasurer

Chevalier Aaron J Parry KGOTJ

Grand Herald

Chevalier Gregory J Fellows KGOTJ

Grand Marshal

Chevalier Wayne Bennett KTJ

Grand Turcopolier

Sergeant Major Paul Payne

Grand Chaplain

Chevalier Rev. Fr. Harry Reuss ChTJ

Grand Spiritual Protector

Chev.Most Reverend Brenden Humberdross ChTJ

Grand Almoner

Chevalier Phillip Vella KTJ

Grand Warden

Chevalier Adam Elm KTJ

Grand Hospitaller

Chevalier Samuel Hodgson KTJ

*Additional officers, committees, and advisory appointments are published on the Leadership section of the website.

Governance Structure

Grand Priory Governance Model

Flowchart graphic of organizational hierarchy for Knights Templar, showing levels from International Magisterium, Grand Prior, Executive Council, to Formation, Foundation, and Operations, with corresponding icons and logos.
Flowchart graphic of organizational hierarchy for Knights Templar, showing levels from International Magisterium, Grand Prior, Executive Council, to Formation, Foundation, and Operations, with corresponding icons and logos.

Financial Stewardship

Responsible Management

The Knights Templar of Australia and its Foundation are committed to responsible stewardship of all funds entrusted to the organisation.

Our principles include:

✓ Proper accounting practices

✓ Separation of charitable and operational funds

✓ Financial oversight

✓ Annual reporting

✓ Responsible expenditure

✓ Compliance with Australian law

Annual Reports

To promote transparency, the Grand Priory publishes:

  • Annual Reports

  • Impact Reports

  • Foundation Reports

  • Strategic Plans

Safeguarding & Member Protection

Safe Communities

The Knights Templar of Australia is committed to providing a safe environment for:

  • Members

  • Families

  • Volunteers

  • Guests

  • Community partners

Principles

✓ Respect and dignity

✓ Zero tolerance for abuse

✓ Appropriate conduct standards

✓ Responsible leadership

✓ Reporting and investigation procedures

✓ Protection of vulnerable persons

Safeguarding Policies

Policies include:

  • Member Code of Conduct

  • Anti-Harassment Policy

  • Child Safety Policy

  • Volunteer Standards

  • Complaints Handling Procedures

Complaints & Grievances

Accountability Through Process

The Knights Templar of Australia recognises the importance of fair, confidential, and impartial complaints handling.

Complaints may relate to:

  • Member conduct

  • Governance concerns

  • Safeguarding matters

  • Administrative decisions

  • Policy compliance

Contact

templars@kta.org.au

[Submit a Complaint]

Privacy & Data Protection

Your Information Matters

The Knights Templar of Australia is committed to protecting personal information and handling data responsibly.

Information is collected only for legitimate organisational purposes and managed in accordance with applicable privacy requirements.

We protect:

  • Membership records

  • Contact information

  • Volunteer information

  • Donation records

  • Enquiry submissions

[View Privacy Policy]